Elvis Presley - King of Rock and Roll

As the years go by, people's memories become like a dense forest through which they make their way along familiar, well-trodden paths. Some unnoticed smaller paths normally branch out, sometimes leading to half-forgotten memories. Popular history in music was made on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi when Elvis Presley was born.

Presley's twin brother Jesse Garon died at the time of birth. Elvis's parents were very poor and he never had music lessons, however, he was surrounded by music from his early age. Presley's parents were very religious and he regularly sang at various church services. In 1948 when Elvis was 13 years his family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis left school in 1953 and found a job as a truck driver.

The young grew up to create rock and roll and turned to be one of the most popular singers in American record history. He was referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" and this was a name that was well earned.
It only took a jiggle from the Elvis to send many teenage girls passing out and their parents going nuts. Presley remained a very popular performer until his demise from a heart attack in 1973 at age 42. Elvis left his money to his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley who became one of the richest persons in the world when she was only 9 years old.

Carter, the President at that time was asked to declare a day of national mourning for the "King of Rock and Roll". The president said that Elvis had changed the face of American popular culture and added that Elvis was unique and irreplaceable. 80,000 people attended Elvis funeral and many streets were jammed with lots of cars, and Presley films were shown on various television stations, while his records were played on various radio stations all day. In the year after Elvis death 100,000,000 Presley LPs were sold.